In 1998, as part of the EU LIFE-Nature project a system of new ditches were created in the Airfield site marshes.

This system replaced ditches and open water that had been lost between 1913 and 1915, when the area was turned into an airfield. A perimeter ditch together with a meandering, wide and shallow central ditch were dug. Incorporated into the central ditch were a series of shallower side ditches, which were also linked to naturally low areas within the marsh.

In the winter months these lows become temporary lagoons and scrapes and in the spring and early summer damp, muddy feeding areas. During the construction, all the dug clay was removed from the marsh and stockpiled behind the river walls to prevent both loss of grazing and weed growth on the marsh. This material also provides a reservoir of clay for any future river wall repair work.

©National Trust
Excavation in progress

There were two principal aims behind the project. Firstly, to provide extra winter freshwater storage (from rainfall) to allow the marshes to be kept wetter into the summer months for the benefit of breeding waders and their feeding chicks. Secondly, to create new habitat suitable for use by wildfowl and waders. To date both of these aims are being achieved with increases in the number and success of breeding birds.

©National Trust
Work complete